Prepare for the Egg Bowl to turn friendly in the years to come as the two coaches on opposing sidelines have recently expressed mutual respect and fondness for one another.

During his introductory press conference in Starkville on Friday, Mike Leach was asked to share his thoughts on his former Pac-12 rival and now in-state SEC rival, Lane Kiffin.

Wouldn’t you know it, the Mississippi State’s coach offered his support for the newly hired Ole Miss coach.

“I’ve know Lane for a long time,” Leach said. “I’ve actually known Lane when he was a GA for Pete Carroll (at Southern California). I’ve always like Lane, and I know you’re not supposed to like anything from Ole Miss, but you know, I’ve always liked him, kind of an entertaining guy.”

This comment from Leach came after Kiffin publicly displayed his affection for Leach following Mississippi State decision bringing the Pirate to the SEC.

Check out this hilarious exchange as Paul Finebaum asked his followers which hire would look better in three years, Leach at Mississippi State or Kiffin at Ole Miss.

Kiffin actually responded:

In case you are wondering, the two coaches have faced off on the field once before as head coaches, with Leach’s Washington State team beating Kiffin’s USC squad 10-7 back in 2013.